Animal Friends

08/12/2025

Dogust Spotlight: Pops!

Say hello to Pops – a five-year-old beauty with a remarkable story. She first came to Animal Friends as a puppy through our largest Humane Investigations case—the Ross Dog Rescue (also known as the “C Dog Rescue”), where we saved 117 dogs from one home. Pops was lucky to find a loving family, but after many happy years, she returned to us when her owner passed away and she struggled to adjust to life with extended family.

Because of her past, Pops is looking for something extra special—a patient, adult-only home where she can feel safe and understood. She may need a few meet-and-greets to truly get to know you, but once you’re her friend, prepare for her signature tippy-tap toes and full-body wiggles of joy.

Pops loves pets and affection from her trusted people, but she prefers to be the only four-legged family member (and she’s definitely not a fan of cats). With time, patience, and love, she’ll reward you with loyalty, charm, and her adorable wiggly welcome dances.

Could you be the special someone Pops has been waiting for? Interested? Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Kennel License #: 1042

08/12/2025

Our canine residents are celebrating Dogust in style with birthday banners made from cardboard, topped with the ultimate party snacks – spray cheese and peanut butter.

Watching them sniff, lick, and tear into the decorations is pure joy. Every day is worth celebrating when you’re surrounded by wagging tails and happy hearts.

Here’s to more tasty treats, big smiles, and perfect homes for these party animals.

Interested? Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Kennel License #: 1042

08/12/2025

Register your child now to read to our amazing Therapets Team!

Contact Millvale Community Library to register.

It makes for a lovely Friday activity!

Animal Friends' Pet Assisted Literacy Services (PALS) is back on Friday, August 15th at 1:00pm! Call the Library at 412-822-7081 to register your child for some one on one time reading to a therapet!

08/12/2025

Join us tomorrow at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc.!

In honor of National Senior Citizens Day, and in recognition of the contributions senior citizens make in communities throughout Pennsylvania, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., is offering FREE admission for seniors 55 + on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. We encourage all seniors to take this opportunity to visit and enjoy our memorial, which is dedicated to paying tribute to those Pennsylvanians who unselfishly gave of themselves in serving their country, especially during the American conflicts.

Coffee from Starbucks plus light refreshments from Oakmont Bakery and Rocket Fizz will be available for seniors while supplies last!

Plus, enjoy informational tables with Highmark Wholecare, Allegheny Health Network, UPMC, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Duquesne Light Company, AE Works Ltd. and Veterans Breakfast Club USA, Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, Animal Friends, VFW District 29 PA -Allegheny County, and the Southwestern Veterans Center!

08/11/2025

This handsome pup is available for adoption at Animal Friends.

Rusty would love to brighten up your day with his infectious smile and adorable ears.

Interested? Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Kennel License #: 1042

Cris’ Critter of the Week: RUSTY!

Meet Rusty – The King of Couch Cuddles! Looking for a gentle soul to share your quiet days and cozy evenings with? Meet Rusty, our charming senior sweetheart who’s ready to find his perfect throne—ideally in the shape of your couch.

Rusty came to Animal Friends after his beloved owner passed away, and while he may be a senior, you'd never guess it from his zest for life. With a goofy grin and a heart full of love, Rusty is the perfect blend of mellow and playful. He lives for TV time, couch snuggles and the occasional walk.

The Ideal Home for Rusty:
• A calm environment where he can be the only pup
• Children over 13 who respect his gentle senior style
• A comfy couch and someone to keep him company during daytime naps

Rusty is currently on a special diet (don’t worry—our Adoption Team can give you all the easy details) and lives in a foster home with a dedicated caregiver – but is currently hanging out at the shelter during Dogust!

This boy has a little extra love to give—and maybe needs a little extra too. If your heart and home are ready to welcome a truly special dog, Rusty’s waiting to meet you.

Let's help give Rusty the loving retirement he deserves.
Interested? Fill out an application -> https://ow.ly/zisO50VVXlW

Did you know that DOGust 1st is the universal birthday for shelter dogs without known birthdates? Many of our amazing canine residents came to us with stories we may never fully know — but what we do know is that every dog deserves to feel special and celebrated. So why stop at just one day?

All month long, Animal Friends is celebrating DOGUST — a month-long birthday bash for our shelter dogs who've already celebrated their first birthday. From August 1 through August 31, requested adoption donations are completely waived for all dogs over one year of age.

Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Kennel License #: 1042

08/11/2025

Meet Odis.

He is available for adoption through our H2H Rehoming adoption program! At Animal Friends, we believe the best place for a pet is with a loving family. Our H2H Rehoming program offers an alternative to surrendering by allowing families to actively participate in rehoming their pets.

Odis is a Labradoodle who loves walks and adventures. Odis has plenty of energy and enjoys attention and company. Odis has lived in a household with several cats his entire life and would frequently stay with his relatives, who also have dogs and cats, with whom he has always gotten along well.

Odis also does great with kids of all ages, having helped raise 8 grandkids with his owner (grandma). Odis does very well off-leash at camp and when visiting family with no concerns of him running away. Odis loves to play in the water and go paddleboarding with his owner.

Odis is seeking a loving and caring family to keep company with and snuggle with. Please contact Judy at 412-335-5337 with any questions or to schedule a time to meet Odis.

08/11/2025

Dogust Spotlight: Mandala!

Meet Mandala – our handsome, goofy, squirrel-watching superstar. This sweet boy came to Animal Friends through our Humane Investigations Department and, through no fault of his own, spent the last several years patiently waiting for his court case to clear. Now, after years of being a beloved part of our shelter family, he’s ready to find a home of his own.

Mandala has earned quite a reputation during his stay here:
✨ Professional Face Massage Enthusiast – rub his cheeks just right and he’ll snooze like a baby.
✨ Zoomie Tornado Champion – warning: sudden bursts of joyful energy may occur!
✨ Toy De-Stuffing Extraordinaire – he believes all toys look better without their fluff.
✨ Squirrel Watching Specialist – both the real deal and squeaky plush versions.
✨ Meat Snack Taste Tester – it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Currently, Mandala is an office foster with one of our staff members, where he excels as both supervisor and cuddle buddy. Because of his rough start, he’s looking for a special home—adult-only, no other pets, no communal housing, and no dog parks—where he can truly thrive.

He’s not a fan of the cold, so if you’re looking for a snuggle partner for rainy or snowy days, Mandala just might be your guy. In return, he promises loyal companionship, endless entertainment, and a collection of squirrel toys he’ll proudly show off.

Could this lovable, goofy boy be your one and only? Interested? Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Kennel License #: 1042

08/11/2025

Vote for Animal Friends!

Pittsburgh City Paper’s Best of PGH awards are back — and we need your help to get Animal Friends recognized for the incredible work we do every day.

Vote for Animal Friends in the following categories:
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
Best Non-profit
Best Veterinary Clinic
Best Pet Store

Voting is open now through Friday, Aug. 22. Vote Here: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/bestof

We know our community believes in our mission. A quick vote from you — and your friends, family, and followers — could go a long way in helping us earn some well-deserved recognition.

08/11/2025

We are so excited to be a part of SCI Fayette's D.A.W.G. Program, scroll through and you can see a few of our pups that are currently in the program.

Interested in learning more about the D.A.W.G Program and how Animal Friends is involved visit our website at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/sci-fayette/

08/10/2025

Pet Assisted Literary Program
We invite your school-age child to read to a trained Therapet participating in Animal Friends’ Pet-Assisted Literacy Services (PALS) Program.

Reading to a companion animal can be a great way to enhance a child’s literacy skills and foster a love of reading! Did you know that reading to a companion animal can build confidence, improve fluency, and create a purpose to read?

Registration includes:
15 minute time slot to read with a trained Therapet.
Exploration time in our Humane Education Engagement Center
Viewing cats, dogs, and rabbits on the Adoption Floor
Take home a free activity bag

Tuition: Free!

Upcoming Dates: September 7, October 5, November 2, December 14

Register Here: [email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

08/10/2025

It’s National Spoil Your Dog Day!

Treats, toys, belly rubs, and snuggles—today is all about pampering your pup. But don’t forget… we’ve got tons of dogs at the shelter who are still waiting for their chance to be spoiled in a loving home. From playful pups to senior snugglers, we have the perfect match for every kind of dog lover.

Celebrate the day by:
🐾 Spoiling your own pup
🐾 Opening your heart to adoption from Animal Friends
🐾 Sharing our adoptable dogs to help them find their person
🐾 Becoming a volunteer and spending time with the pups in our care

The list could go on—but one thing’s for sure: you can make a difference in the lives of the animals at Animal Friends through your support and generosity.

Come meet your future best friend and give them the spoiled life they deserve.

08/10/2025

Dogust Spotlight: Hoppin’ John!

Meet Hoppin’ John—a sweet and spirited pup who’s ready to hop into your heart this Dogust.
This high-energy boy came to us as a stray with an injury to one of his back legs. After undergoing surgery, he’s now working hard in physical therapy and will need a dedicated adopter to help continue his recovery with regular exercises.

Hoppin’ John absolutely lives for enrichment—sniffle mats and cream cheese are his jam. While he prefers to be the only pet in the home, he could do well with children 13 and older who can match his playful energy.

Ready to give this resilient and affectionate boy the fresh start he deserves? Let’s make this Dogust one to remember for Hoppin’ John!

Interested? Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Kennel License #: 1042